Study on Ion Channels Existing in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts

Objectives:Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are highly specialized cells that reside between tooth and bone, and differentiate into fibroblasts and cementoblasts to synthesize cementum of the teeth and osteoblasts to synthesize alveolar bone for the skeletal support of the tooth. In response to applied mechanical forces, PDL cells perceive mechanical signals and respond to them via cellular events such as cell proliferation, differentiation, matrix catabolism, and matrix synthesis. Moreover, various ion channels play maintenance of homeostasis so we are willing to examine kinds of ion channels in periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Methods:We used method of western blotting with various ion channel antibodies. Results:The result of western blotting is 45 kDa of SK-3 ion channel, 100 kDa of BKCa ion channel and 90 kDa of KV4.2 ion channel. However Anti-Kir2.1 and Anti-KV1.3 ion channels are not found. Recently it is reported that ClC-3 and ClC-2 play a role of volume regulatory function. So we examine the existence of chloride channel and detect ClC-3 and ClC-2 ion channel. Calcium ion channels in periodontal ligament fibroblasts are P/Q type of 200 kDa, N-type of 70 kDa, L-type of 60 kDa and R-type of 40 kDa. Although size of Na+ ion channel in rat brain is about 200 kDa but Na+ ion channel of 80 kDa is detected in periodontal ligament fibroblasts. It is consider that protein denature is occur during experimental process.Conclusions:We examine kinds of ion channels in periodontal fibroblasts and detect existence of various ion channels. It is considerd that these ion channels play an important role in periodontal ligament fibroblasts.